Pope Francis met with the Grand Imam, Dr. Nasaruddin Umar, for the interreligious dialogue at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, the largest Mosque in Southeast Asia on the morning of September 5.

Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque signed the joint declaration of Istiqlal, which the title is “fostering religious harmony for the sake of humanity.”

Concerning crises such as wars, conflict, and environmental crises, the Pope stressed “In the face of these crises, it is important that the values common to all religious traditions be effectively promoted to help society “defeat the culture of violence and indifference” (Joint Declaration of Istiqlal) and promote reconciliation and peace.”

Pope Francis and the Grand Imam walked together the “Tunnel of Friendship,” an underground walkway connecting the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption and the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta.

The pope remarked that the tunnel is “an eloquent sign” that “allows for encounter, dialogue and a real possibility for “finding and sharing a ‘mystique’ of living together, mingling and encounter […] stepping into this flood tide which, while chaotic, can become a genuine experience of fraternity, a caravan of solidarity, a sacred pilgrimage” (Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, 87).”

After meeting with Grand Iman, Pope Francis met with beneficiaries of charitable organizations at the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI – Konferensi Waligereja Indonesia).

After listening to the story of Andrew, a swimmer in the Paralympics, Pope Francis called each of them a “champion of love in the great Olympics of life.”

In the evening, Pope Francis celebrated the Holy Mass, the final public event of his Apostolic Visit to Indonesia at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium of Jakarta.

During his homily, the pope urged the over 100,000 Indonesian faithful, “Always dare to dream of fraternity!”

He encouraged them “to sow seeds of love, confidently tread the path of dialogue, continue to show your goodness and kindness with your characteristic smile.”

On the morning of September 6, Indonesia’s Minister for Religious Affairs, Cardinal Archbishop of Jakarta, Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, and representatives of the civil and religious society farewelled Pope Francis at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Pope Francis continues his Apostolic Journey to Papua New Guinea.

• with inputs from Vatican News